Author Interiors: Luxury in Design

Martyn White

Posted on October 09 2017

Author Interiors showcased the best of British during this year's London Design Festival, all within the incredible surroundings of the Blacks Club in Soho.

This year I had the great privilege of being introduced to Author Interiors, a brand that prides itself on showcasing unique and handmade furniture and home accessories, all designed and crafted within the United Kingdom. Taking over the first floor of Blacks Club in Soho, the mesmerising surroundings of this iconic location provided an enchanting and rich backdrop to exhibit each characterful design at its best. From colourful upholstery designs to abstract ceramics and hand carved accessories, this brand really does have it all. I share just a few personal favourite designs that are sure to be an instant hit.

Walking into the space, the Mary velvet armchair immediately attracted my attention with is gorgeous orange, red and blue coloured velvet upholstery, inspired by the National Gallery's collection of Tudor paintings. The chair's cherry red wool piping comes from Abraham Moon in Leeds, currently one of the last remaining vertical mills in Great Britain, showing the brand's deep connection, understanding and support for local crafts and workshops, providing the highest quality of finishes.

The Crackle Raku pot has been designed and created by Anne Morrison in Bearsden, Scotland. Handcrafted using clay that has been Raku fired in a white crackle glaze, the pot has been paired with a simple piece of driftwood, sourced from the local beaches and lochs. This simple connection has a dramatic impact on the design as no two pieces of driftwood are the same, emphasising the beauty of nature and its wonderful contributing qualities.

The Henry cushion, like the Mary armchair, exhibits a mash-up design inspired by the National Gallery's collection of Tudor paintings. Displayed in vibrant yellow and orange hues and piped in a rich chocolate brown leather, the cushion design is an instant feature piece that can be paired alongside other prints for those feeling adventurous or complimented with leathers and clean fabric designs with darker tones to create a high impact piece.

It is clear to see what has inspired Max McCance's Cone table, however, the creation and construction process are just as impressive as the finished design itself. Crafted in fumed Oak that contributes to the tables rich tones, each wooden segment twists, changing in size to create the bulbous shape that tapers at the top. Finished with a circular top to mirror its base, this occasional table is a perfect way to extend the presence of a work of art or create a decorative feature with a lamp.

Whilst there is a much-loved place for highly visual and characterful design, sometimes it is a simple form with luscious finishes that tick all the boxes. Author's very own Charterhouse armchair is refined and opulent in appearance, being upholstered in two fabrics; red current deer hide set against a soft grey floral detail linen. The hide adds the right amount of contemporary style, pairing it with the subtle floral detailing of the linen fabric to create a comfortable and luxurious piece that begs to be sat in, curled up whilst enjoying a good book.

Decorative accessories, large and small is where Author Interiors stands far above the rest. The tall ceramic freeform sculptures standing on the mantlepiece have been Composed by ceramic artist Penny Withers in her Sheffield studio. The sculptures have been thrown on the wheel to create the beautiful twists, ripples and flowing form, finished in a simple white or black glaze to emphasise the unique form.

The gilded Speak Vase by Jo Davies was yet another favourite of mine, creating a design that is unusual yet familiar at the same time. Hand created in Davies' East London studio, each porcelain piece has been gilded in 24c and finished in either a black stoneware glaze or a satin-matt stoneware crackle glaze.

The Author Interiors collection was the biggest surprise of this year's London Design Festival and one of my favourite experiences from it. It is refreshing to see a brand that prides itself on the creative and local talent of British designers, artists and craftspeople. When so many businesses look to cut corners or mass produce a design, it gives me great pleasure to know that there is a brand looking to simply produce the very best.

For further details on Author Interiors and any of the products featured, click the link to visit the official website.

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